Benefits of EQA

Makes it easy for students to identify post-secondary institutions that offer quality learning experiences

Allows post-secondary institutions to compete at an international level

Enables post-secondary institutions to host international students on study permits.* These institutions can be found on the federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Designated Learning Institutions list

Provides access to Canada's brand for education and the ability to participate in overseas recruitment and partnership events organized by the federal Department of Global Affairs Canada

Complaint resolution: All EQA designated institutions must have a formal complaint process – an internal process students can use to report a complaint or concern about the institution.

If the dispute resolution processes with the institutions have been exhausted, students may file a complaint with the applicable quality assurance/regulatory body that is responsible for ensuring student protection.

If a student has questions about an EQA designated institution or questions about the standards or criteria used to assess EQA designation, they can contact the Ministry.

Monitoring and enforcement: The province of B.C., through the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training, is responsible for:

Establishing EQA designation policy

Setting and enforcing QA standards

Granting permission for institutions to use the EQA designation mark

Granting or revoking designation

In order to obtain and maintain the EQA designation, institutions must:

Sign EQA brand use agreements

Abide by the standards outlined in the EQA Policy and Procedures Manual

In addition, regular website scans monitor if unauthorized institutions are using the brand.

Institutions must re-apply and be assessed each year to maintain their designation. Designation will be revoked if the institution no longer meets the quality assurance standards and eligibility criteria.